Light
One of the common motifs in the novel is the frequent mentioning of light. The narrator mentions light frequently mainly because the main character’s parents are photographers and thus light is important for them. Light is also mentioned because it is linked with the idea of truth and the need to discover what really happened.
The rose
An element mentioned on numerous occasions in the novel is the rose which Ned saw near the statue of the woman in the church. The rose is used here as a symbol, being linked with the feelings of love and even the desire to worship the woman the two unknown men felt. The rose is thus used here as a symbol for devotion and love.
Thinking about its historical value
The place where the action described in the novel takes place is an extremely old town filled with historic buildings which were built centuries ago. Ned claims not to be interested in those buildings but every time he passes by a historic one, he thinks about how many years passed since the building was erected and how many historical events the building was a witness to. This train of thought is a common motif in the novel, appearing on numerous occasions.
Going where he was not supposed to go
Another common motif in the novel is the idea that Ned and other characters feel compelled to go in places where they should not go. These characters feel almost a supernatural pull towards certain places and even though those activities may put a person’s life in danger.
The illness
Every time Ned goes near a place which is linked with a traumatic event which took place in the past. The way in which Need fells is simply referred to as being the illness, to suggest the mysterious nature of those events. The illness is also used as a symbol, representing in this context the way in which events from the past can influence the present.
